Boeing A75L300 N75263 accident near Salina, Kansas

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power after takeoff due to thermal damage to three cylinders for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was a lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.

NTSB analysis

The radial engine of the vintage airplane lost engine rpm shortly after takeoff. During the ensueing forced landing, the airplane departed the end of the runway, struck a ditch and fence, and came to rest inverted, resulting in substantial damage. Examination of the engine revealed heat damage to the number one, two, and number nine cylinders. The number one cylinder exhibited excessive heat damage, which according to the FAA inspector and engine mechanic, would have rendered the cylinder inoperative and degraded engine performance. Examination of the remaining airframe and engine systems revealed a broken carburetor heat control arm. No other anomalies were discovered that may have contributed to the loss of power.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN10LA340 for the full record.